A new 9km stretch of road on the New Dukhan Highway Central route in Qatar has opened to traffic, says public works authority Ashghal.

The road runs from the Al Rayyan Stadium roundabout - one of the proposed locations for the Fifa 2022 World Cup - through to the Sheehaniya Interchange.

Ashghal said the opening means that the traffic flow between Doha and the West of Qatar towards Dukhan and Al Smanal will considerably improve.

The new highway has four lanes in each direction, compared to just two on the older road.

The project, which begain in 2011, also includes the construction of two underpasses - through New Wajba and Al Dehailiyat Army Camp - and a major interchange which will provide access to Al Rayyan stadium, the new Mall of Qatar and a couple of other projects in the areas.